Would you get your haircut more often if you sat in this?

Well, if I could fit into that thing, MAYBE. :D But, what a cool invention for little kids who hate getting their hair cuts... Now, instead of just getting a lollipop at the end, the child can sit in a cool car and forget that they are getting a haircut! and, if you don't like cars, well, there is a boat too... if you're a girl - well, i hope you like cars or boats because there is no barbie. maybe that will be the next invention.

Doodle Doo's Salon for Kids
located in the West Village

NYC's Modern Kimono vs. Japan's Kimono

Last week I walked around the city with my friend, Irene, and we saw this absolutely fabulous person walking down Prince Street... we were intrigued with her modern kimono and the "pursuit" ensued... yes, I did follow her to grab this photo ... but, I mean, just look at her outfit -- you would have done the same thing ... ok, well, maybe not - but I did!

This person and her outfit reminded me of my Geisha encounters when I traveled to Kyoto many many years ago... I am not embarrassed to admit that I had also chased down geisha in Kyoto -- first on a rented bicycle and then with my two feet... so, with a little luck, I was fortunate to meet these two Geisha on the train platform and asked them if I can take a photo of them. See the photos below and look at the differences in the kimono styles (very different from the modern NYC kimono) ...

Tidbit: Did you know that the kimono was worn not only by women, but also by men and children. The word kimono literally means "a thing to wear" and is often associated as part of Japanese culture and was traditionally worn for special occasions. But did you also know that the kimono was originally influenced by Han Chinese clothing (according to wikipedia). Also look at this amazing photo of women wearing kimonos in the 1890's.

Michael Jackson Hits Newstands

If you haven't walked by a newstand, you should -- Everything about Michael Jackson can be found in the magazines -- Newsweek, Time, TV Guide, US Weekly and much more -- and of course, you can find a lot more stories online via streaming videos or additional news articles.

And though he was an music icon, we shouldn't forget about the contribution Farrah Fawcett (Charlie's Angels) and Billy Mays (oxiclean) work, both of whom died in the same week. Btw, doesn't this remind you of the time when Mother Teresa's death was overshadowed by Princess Diana?

Fire in the City - 49-51 Prince Street

New York city always has a lot to offer, but who knew, one day I would be at the right place and at the right time to witness a fire in the city. Before I go on, you should know that no one was severely hurt and the fire was put out rather quickly.

So what happened at 49-51 Prince street?

A fire erupted from an apartment on the fourth floor. How did it happen? The inhabitants of the apartment left the stove on and soon enough a fire started from the stove and stretched out along the cabinets. One of the firemen on the scene mentioned that this was one of the most common causes for fires in the city... So mental note to everyone reading -- make sure your stove is turned off before you leave!

Take a look at my photos and you will witness the event for yourself.

Firefighter tip: If you find yourself in a building that is on fire (and if its a walk-up like this one), exit towards the fire escape!

NYC Street Fight - Food Cart vs. Brick & Mortar Shops vs. Food Trucks

We used to say, different strokes for different folks; now, we're saying different food for different people... no matter how you look at it, many people are getting bored of their daily lunch routine and opting for something different to wet their palette. So where do people go? Food carts! Anywhere you walk in New York, you're bound to see the hot dog cart, the gyro carts, the fresh fruit carts... well, now you're seeing an influx of food trucks - yes, food trucks!

So, really, how many of these people are truly legit? Who knows, but according to the NYTimes, a 1979 law only 3,100 permits can be issued citywide and currently a bill is out there to increase that amount to 25,000 (So for those eager New Yorkers wanting to taste the food at the Kogi Taco Food truck we may have to wait longer! -- booo!!!). Ok, but really - 3,100 permits? If you've walked around the streets of Manhattan -- I think there are more than 3,100 carts out there right now! Crazy! So what is happening? People are buying "licenses" off the black market, latching onto someone else's license, using fake ones, and the list continues - I'm sure the Health Department has a lot to say about this... Well, don't be surprised, but six people were recently arrested for using illegal permits. Yes, the sting operation begins...

And now, imagine if you were the veteran food cart like the one on 53rd and 6th avenue (ah yum), and a food truck comes rolling on down the street from you - what ensues? Fight Fight Fight!! Ah yeah, if you go back to the NYTimes article re: Turf Wars that is exactly what will happen. Welcome back to the playground or the infamous line of - you're on my block! (ok, maybe not so much as a famous line, but you've heard it before!) and then the next thing you know - the cops were called, your tires are slashed, people are yelling at you, etc, etc. Wow, how extreme can this go? ... i guess stay tuned in and we shall see who will win - food carts? brick and mortar shops? food trucks? or no one?

So what's the end game for these food carts? Its a business - so make money of course! But, as we know, not everyone will play fair -- so good luck food carts!!!

Btw, I love the food carts - reminds me of the good ole street food I used to eat when I traveled around the world (sigh, I hope to travel again soon!) -- but I recall all the exquisite tastes and textures of the different foods and secretly hoping that I didn't get sick from it! And then, I remember the food carts peddaling deep fried grasshoppers among other critters -- eeks, but again, different food for different people ... but, all in all, i still love the food carts!

Two of my favorite food carts ...

1. the gyro food cart on 53rd and 6th (on the south west side of the street - do not get confused by the many knock-off carts surrounding the area; and you will notice it because of the long long line!)

2. Calexico - man, those are good burritos; almost as good or just as good as California burritos! Btw, because the food cart was so great --> the brothers who started the cart opened their first restaurant in Carroll Gardens!

For a list of the TOP ELITE FOOD CARTS, check out this article and see if you've frequented any of these before...

Happy Eating!

Done with Twilight...

Oh so sad, I'm done with the Twilight Saga. Book Four: Breaking Dawn was probably my favorite book along with Book Two: New Moon.

Through the course of my reading, I have talked with many avid Twilight fans and they too have finished the books over a span of five to seven days (p.s. every book is about 600 pages, with the fourth book coming in at 700+ pages). Isn't that incredible how people can get so wrapped up in a book that it would only take them 5 days to complete. Well, I know I did it and it was a lot of fun reading the books!

I still have to say though - people who tend to read this book will be those who a) want to know what the hype is all about (in which case, just pick up the movie first) ... and if you read the first one, you'll surely get lured in and then have to read the rest.. and those who decide to read the rest will find it fun to read; will enjoy the twist and turns of the love story; and also enjoy the not-so-scary vampire events. :D

so go, read! enjoy it and live vicariously through bella as you go through her ups and downs of love ... and for those who have been in love or haven't been in love, but want to be -- the book will give you exactly how it feels to be in love. :D

so enjoy readers!!!

Eclipse

i just finished the 3rd book... and i am hoping the fourth book ends the way i want it to end... :D

will write more when i'm done

New Moon -- the 2nd book of the TWILIGHT Saga

Oh, yeah... I've falled hard into the books. Just last night, I finished the 2nd book and am already yearning for the 3rd. Alright, no spoilers here for those who are thinking about reading the book.

But seriously, I continue to find myself sheepishly giggling and laughing aloud when reading Stephanie Myer's books. Its the innocent love story, the fascinating dialogue that happens between all the characters that remind you of youth and love... not to mention, the half-truths that you tell your parents so you don't worry them about what you're doing, or the sneaky ways you try to get out of a jam... ah, the adventure and the thrill is amazing through this book. But again, its a book that draws you in only if you enjoy romance. :D it would be interesting to get a guy's perspective here...

oooh, just reading the books and being able to share how EXCITED i am about the books is fun...

so is it possible for werewolves and vampires to co-exist?

Twilight - I bought two twilight books!!!

Man, this is very addicting... I picked up the first book today - Twilight - and began reading ... not realizing that I am now on page 317! i am wondering if I will finish the book tonight ... why tonight? b/c I am eager to find out what happens in the next book - New Moon...

My new fascination with TWILIGHT

(picture of my niece's wall)

If you haven't heard of Twilight - the books or the movies - be prepared to embark on this incredible journey of true love. The story is mostly focused on two characters -- Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) -- who seem to have found each other as their soul mate; however, it seems to be an ill-fated relationship, or an improbable relationship between a vampire and a mortal....

So what happens? I don't know, but I'm sure going to find out! Yes, that's right -- the movie has sucked me in... I'm getting the books so I can read it before the second movie comes out in November (forget the turkey, bring me the popcorn!)... what can I say? I am a hopeless romantic.

So what sucks readers in? At first, I didn't understand the fascination with it when it came out - I just recall many teenagers around the world going NUTS over this, including my niece who lined up for the 12:01 a.m. first showing of the film!

So ... Is it yet another iteration of Romeo and Juliet played out on the big screen - quite probable, but different. Twilight is similar to R&J in the sense that its a complicated love story with the unconditional and irrevocable love, but different in the demonstratable sense of passion that you see and feel between the two main characters.

When you see the two actors on screen (and no doubt you will sense it in the books) it reminds you of the dizziness that you feel when you are in love -- first, you have the initial awkward conversations; the butterflies in the stomach, that later translates into the ease and comfort you found in the other person's presense and when apart, you have these repeated images and replayed conversations that you've had with the person running uncontrollably through your head -- all the while you find yourself ignoring everything around you and not truly focusing on whats in front of you. All of these elements of love - are either - ones that you have felt, thus you can relate with the characters; or ones that you would love to feel or imagine what love to be like, thus you can relate to the ideology of love... and whichever category you fall into, is why you will love the movies... OR, if you are not a hopeless romantic - you will probably stay away from this story.

Alright, I am a hopeless romantic who wants to root for what can nearly be impossible, yet hopes that love "conquers" it all. I can't wait for the second movie ... but even before that gets out - I can't wait for my trip to the bookstore tomorrow!

p.s. Do you believe in soul mates? is it possible? and does love bring all your insecurities to the forefront, that when with the person, they no longer exist?

Interesting Find - Red Bull & Alcohol

Wow ... for those of you who often mix red bull and alcohol -- beware, you may end up having a heart attack!! Courtesy of realsimple.com

Don't Mix Alcohol and Energy Drinks

While you might not chase a vodka tonic with a Red Bull (like certain celebrity party girls), some teens you know might, and you should tell them it can do more than provide a sizable buzz: It can send them straight to the ER. This unhealthy combo can cause heart palpitations and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it could even lead to a heart attack or a stroke, says Roger A. Clemens, Dr.P.H., an associate director of regulatory science at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, in Los Angeles. Overloading the body with stimulants like caffeine, which is found in many energy drinks, and alcohol, which is a depressant and a diuretic, puts tremendous stress on the central nervous system and heart. Put at least a few hours between your caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Kogi Truck Coming to NYC soon!!!

The first time I heard of the Kogi truck was when a friend sent me a link to the LA Times news article describing a new food truck that roams around LA serving up Korean tacos! wah!!!! I want some!!! but wah! its in LA! but... guess what? Its coming to NYC!!!! Some people had the opportunity to taste it today... they partnered up with Dessert Truck to serve up a tasty delight. It parked on 55th and Lex -- however, if you weren't one of the first 200 people standing in line, then you missed your opportunity -- and unfortunately, I missed out too!

but no worries, I'm sure it'll get a spot sometime in NYC and there will be a line around the corner. so until then, 32nd street will fulfill my Korean food desires!